Transgenic Specialist

Job description

Job Summary: The Biological Laboratories’ Aquatics Facilities can support live animal specimens for use by Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) and Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB) members for research. The Transgenic Specialist aids Harvard undergraduate, graduate, post-docs and scholars in the use of the aquatics facilities by providing a point-person for generating transgenics of unconventional experimental animal systems to support the sciences of multiple laboratories. Job-Specific Responsibilities: Independently coordinates with researchers on their projects, generating transgenics, overseeing crosses, breeding with additional wild caught animals to maintain populations, long-term planning and overall population management while working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, chemists, and clinical researchers at Harvard and other institutions. Responsible for coordinating and facilitating design and implementation strategies for generating transgenic and cultured animals (including gene knockout, knock-in, and overexpression models), conducting, developing, validating, and organizing experimental protocols for genotyping (such as CRISPR/Cas9, and other gene-editing technologies to create precise genetic modifications), as well as phenotyping, and designing functional assays for all transgenic and cultured lines as well as analyzing experiments involving the creation and utilization of transgenic animals to advance our understanding of genetic functions, disease mechanisms, and potential therapeutic interventions in conjunction with lab heads and lab members. Maintains records and databases of all transgenesis and monitoring. Maintain transgenic and cultured animal colonies, ensuring ethical and regulatory compliance including assisting with composing animal protocols. Assists with oversight of facility activities, including maintenance of equipment and inventory management. Trains community researchers (grad students, postdocs, interns) in creating and maintaining non-model transgenic and cultured lines. Helps maintain animal facility husbandry and care including water quality and maintenance, distribution of feeds, etc. and assisting with the design and building of animal housing and culture systems. Acts as a secondary point of contact for alarms of facility. Acts as team lead for coop interns, volunteers, and technicians with oversight from Aquatics facility manager. Helps facilitate public education programs involved with public relations, news, media, and outreach events. Working Conditions: This position is based fully on-campus in Cambridge, MA Basic Qualifications ( required ) : BS in Biology or related field with at least 3 years of aquatic training Additional Qualifications and Skills ( preferred ) : A Masters or PhD level of education in Biology or related field Proficiency in designing and maintaining non-experimental model aquatic and terrestrial animals Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail Effective communication and teamwork skills Excellent data analysis skills, with proficiency in relevant equipment and software needed to effectively house and maintain animals Ability to manage multiple projects and identify opportunities for collaborations and scientific priorities This position is a 2 year term appointment from the date of hire with renewal contingent upon funding and performance. Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal and Reference checks required. Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FAS HR. #LI-CM1 Work Format Details This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. Salary Grade and Ranges This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information. Benefits Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: Generous paid time off including parental leave Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one Retirement plans with university contributions Wellbeing and mental health resources Support for families and caregivers Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page . EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy . Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination. By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences? The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.